There will be an informational item on the Monday December 21 Committee of the Whole Board meeting related to Governor Walz’s announcement on Thursday prioritizing in-person learning for elementary students.
The Board and district administrators will review the announcement and the planning necessary to restart full in-person classes for kindergarten through second grade on Monday, January 25, and grades three through five on Monday, February 8. Families may choose to remain in distance learning if they wish
Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan requires 2 to 5 days for preparation and transition to a less restrictive model change. We would use three days, beginning after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Monday January 18. Friday January 22 is semester break.
As per the state’s Safe Learning Plan, our middle school and high school students must continue with distance learning, with exploration and planning for returning to in-person learning as conditions and guidance allow.
The new state guidance is designed to prioritize in-person learning for the state’s youngest students. Per the Governor’s announcement:
• Schools play a critical role in the health, well-being, and education of Minnesota’s children.
• Youngest kids are less susceptible to serious complications from COVID-19.
• We have learned how to reduce spread in schools from success in other settings.
Recent research shared by the CDC indicates that children who tested positive for COVID 19 were more likely to have attended gatherings such as weddings, parties and playdates and not as likely to have attended child care or school in-person.
We’re excited to consider bringing students back for in-person learning. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to work through the pandemic together.
Sincerely,
John Magas, Superintendent
Duluth Public Schools